Indigenous Students And University Fees: Who Gets A Free Pass?

Indigenous students in Australia have access to a range of financial support options and scholarships to help them attend university. The Australian government has implemented initiatives to improve access to higher education for Indigenous students, including guaranteed Commonwealth-supported places at universities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Additionally, universities themselves often provide scholarships specifically for Indigenous students, and the government offers various payments and support services to assist with costs. These include ABSTUDY, Relocation Scholarships, Student Start-up Loans, and the Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP), which provides funding for scholarships, tutorial assistance, mentoring, and other support services.

Scholarships for Indigenous students

In Australia, the government has guaranteed all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a Commonwealth-supported place at a university of their choice when accepted into their chosen course of study. This measure, which came into effect in 2024, is part of an initiative to increase the number of First Nations graduates in the workforce and address systemic barriers to education access.

Additionally, there are several scholarships available specifically for Indigenous students to help cover the costs of university. La Trobe University, for example, offers an Indigenous Accommodation Scholarship, which provides Indigenous students with a guaranteed place in their accommodation facilities and covers any remaining costs after Rent Assistance. The university also offers the RISE with La Trobe program, which is free for Indigenous students in Years 9 to 12 and provides access to a range of academic and cultural activities, workshops, events, and mentoring opportunities.

For Indigenous students in the United States, there are also numerous scholarship opportunities. The American Indian College Fund provides scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native students enrolled in certificate, undergraduate, or graduate programs at tribal colleges, universities, or accredited non-profit schools. The award amounts typically range from $2,000 to $3,000, and the application opens on February 1st each year.

• USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program: Available to undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor's degree in agriculture, food science, or a related field at a tribal college. The scholarship provides full tuition, employment, housing, and other benefits.
• Cherokee Nation Businesses Scholarship: Available to full-time undergraduate and graduate students who are Cherokee Nation citizens. Applicants must be enrolled in a professional, master's, or upper-level bachelor's program with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• SAA Native American Scholarship: Available to undergraduate and graduate students who are Native peoples from the Americas, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, or Indigenous Pacific Islanders. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in archaeology.
• North American Indian Department Scholarship: Available to undergraduate and graduate students of American Indian descent. A Tribal Registration number is required for this $1,000 award.
• Udall Undergraduate Scholarship: Available to full-time college sophomores and juniors who are Native American or Alaska Native students pursuing a career in tribal policy, Native health care, or an environmentally related field. The award amount is $7,000.
• Calista Scholarship Fund: Available to undergraduate and graduate students who are Alaska Native shareholders or descendants and have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
• Southwest Native American Foundation Scholarship: Available to high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students who are enrolled members of a U.S. Federally Recognized American Indian tribe or descendants. Selection is based on academic merit, essay submission, and letters of recommendation.
• Friends of Hubbell Native American Scholarship: Available to undergraduate and graduate students who are members of the Navajo, Hopi, Acoma, Laguna, Zuni, or Southern Ute Nation. Applicants must be attending a four-year college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• AISES USAA Scholarship: Available to undergraduate Native American veterans pursuing a degree in a STEM field with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The award amount is $2,000.
• AIS Scholarship Program: Open to undergraduate students who are enrolled members of U.S. Federally Recognized American Indian or Alaska Native Tribes, or descendants. Applicants must have completed no more than 150 semester credits and have a minimum 2.25 GPA. The award amount is $2,500.
• Mary Ball Carrera Scholarship: Available to female Native American students enrolled at an accredited U.S. medical school, with an award amount of $2,500.

These are just a few examples of the scholarships available to support Indigenous students in their pursuit of higher education. It is recommended that students apply to as many scholarships as they are eligible for to maximize their opportunities for financial assistance.

Accommodation support

In Australia, Indigenous students can access various accommodation support options to pursue their university studies. These include scholarships, grants, and guaranteed spots in student accommodation.

Scholarships

The University of Sydney offers the Gadigal Accommodation Scholarship, which provides an accommodation subsidy for recent school leavers commencing full-time study. The scholarship reduces the weekly rent to $50 and guarantees a spot in one of the university's student accommodation buildings in the first year.

La Trobe University also offers an Indigenous Accommodation Scholarship, which covers any gap left after Rent Assistance. This means Indigenous students can live on campus at no financial cost.

Grants

The University of Melbourne provides the Indigenous Accommodation Grant to Indigenous students residing in affiliated student accommodation and ineligible for government funding or other financial support. The grant offers a contribution of up to $10,000 for a full year or $5,000 for half a year, paid directly to the accommodation provider.

Guaranteed Accommodation

In addition to scholarships and grants, some universities guarantee accommodation for Indigenous students. For example, La Trobe University offers Indigenous students a guaranteed place in their accommodation facilities across all campuses.

These accommodation support options aim to ensure that Indigenous students have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing during their university studies, removing financial barriers and promoting equal opportunities for all.

Cultural programs and events

Orientation and Mentorship Programs

Universities can design specific orientation programs for Indigenous students to help them navigate the academic and social aspects of university life. These programs can include cultural activities, workshops, and mentorship opportunities with Indigenous staff or students, fostering a sense of community and support from the very beginning of their university journey.

Cultural Exchange Events

Organizing cultural exchange events, such as food festivals, art exhibitions, or clothing swaps, can be a fantastic way to bring Indigenous students together with students from diverse backgrounds. These events encourage the sharing of cultural traditions, customs, and knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Indigenous cultures among the entire university community.

Community Engagement Activities

Engaging with the local Indigenous community is crucial for strengthening cultural ties and promoting social responsibility. Universities can organize volunteer programs, community projects, or cultural excursions in collaboration with local Indigenous organizations. These activities provide Indigenous students with opportunities to connect with their community, contribute to social initiatives, and develop a stronger sense of cultural identity.

Indigenous-Focused Academic Events

Hosting academic conferences, seminars, or guest lectures specifically focused on Indigenous topics can create a platform for intellectual exchange and knowledge sharing. These events can cover a range of disciplines, including Indigenous history, language revitalization, environmental science, community health, and policy-making. They provide a space for Indigenous students to explore their academic interests, connect with faculty mentors, and contribute to the advancement of Indigenous scholarship.

Cultural Performance and Art Exhibitions

Universities can showcase the artistic talents of Indigenous students and celebrate their cultural heritage by organizing cultural performances and art exhibitions. This can include traditional dances, music, theatre, film screenings, or visual art displays. These events not only provide a platform for Indigenous artists to express themselves but also educate and inspire the wider university community about Indigenous arts and culture.

Cultural Field Trips and Excursions

Arranging cultural field trips and excursions to significant Indigenous sites, museums, or cultural centres can offer a unique learning experience for Indigenous students. These trips provide an opportunity to explore their cultural heritage, connect with their traditions, and develop a deeper understanding of Indigenous history and its connection to the present.

By incorporating these cultural programs and events, universities can create a more inclusive and enriching environment for Indigenous students, fostering cultural pride, academic success, and a stronger sense of community. These initiatives not only benefit Indigenous students but also contribute to a more diverse and culturally sensitive university community as a whole.

Academic assistance

In Australia, the government provides a range of payments, support services, and scholarships to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students access and succeed in higher education. While Indigenous students do not get free university, there are various academic assistance programs in place to support and increase their participation.

The Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP) provides supplementary funding to universities to help Indigenous students meet the demands of university life and achieve success. This funding is prioritised for financially disadvantaged students and those from remote and regional areas. Universities can use ISSP funding to offer scholarships, tutorial assistance, mentoring, safe cultural spaces, and other personal support services. There are three types of scholarships offered under the ISSP:

• Indigenous Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarships: Assist with education costs for textbooks, study equipment, laptops, and more.
• Indigenous Commonwealth Accommodation Costs Scholarships: Assist with relocation and accommodation costs, including bond payments and rent assistance.
• Indigenous Commonwealth Reward Scholarships: Awarded to students who have achieved exceptionally high standards as determined by the university.

The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) works closely with various bodies to ensure that Indigenous programs and services are effectively delivered. The NIAA's programs support Indigenous higher education, and from 2024, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Australia will be guaranteed a Commonwealth-supported place at a university of their choice when accepted into their chosen course of study.

Universities themselves may also offer culturally sensitive support and scholarships specifically for Indigenous students. For example, La Trobe University offers the RISE with La Trobe program, which is free and provides Indigenous students with academic learning, cultural activities, mentoring, and introductions to university life. Additionally, La Trobe offers Indigenous students guaranteed accommodation on campus and a scholarship to cover any remaining costs after rent assistance.

Other support services available include ABSTUDY, which helps with study costs, apprenticeships, traineeships, and travel. The Relocation Scholarship assists those moving to or from remote or regional areas for their studies, and the Student Start-up Loan is a voluntary loan available twice a year to help with study-related expenses. The Tertiary Access Payment also supports students moving from regional or remote areas for tertiary study.

These academic assistance initiatives aim to address systemic barriers and increase the number of Indigenous graduates, ultimately contributing to the Closing the Gap target of having 70% of First Nations people with a tertiary qualification by 2031.

Financial support

Indigenous students in Australia have access to a range of financial support options to help them access and succeed in higher education. The Australian Government is committed to increasing the participation of Indigenous students in universities and closing the gap in educational outcomes.

The Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP) is a key initiative that provides supplementary funding to universities. This funding enables universities to offer scholarships, tutorial assistance, mentoring, cultural spaces, and other support services tailored to the needs of Indigenous students. The ISSP prioritises financially disadvantaged students and those from remote or regional areas. It offers three types of scholarships: Education Costs Scholarships, Accommodation Costs Scholarships, and Reward Scholarships for exceptional academic achievement.

The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) plays a crucial role in supporting Indigenous higher education. The NIAA works closely with state and territory governments, Indigenous peak bodies, and stakeholders to ensure that programs and services effectively serve Indigenous students. From 2024, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Australia will be guaranteed a Commonwealth-supported place at a university of their choice, provided they meet the entry requirements for their chosen course.

In addition to the ISSP, there are other financial support options available. The ABSTUDY program assists with study costs, apprenticeships, traineeships, and travel expenses. The Relocation Scholarship helps students who need to move to or from remote or regional areas for their studies, while the Student Start-up Loan provides voluntary loans for purchasing study-related items like textbooks. The Tertiary Access Payment further supports students moving from regional or remote areas for tertiary education.

Some universities also offer specific scholarships and support for Indigenous students. For example, La Trobe University provides an Indigenous Accommodation Scholarship to cover the costs of on-campus housing, as well as culturally sensitive support throughout the application process and students' studies.

Frequently asked questions